Archbishop Georg Gänswein told Rome Reports on June 15, that Benedict XVI is always in contact with Pope Francis.

He added, “Pope Benedict sees in Pope Francis a man of his time, a true witness to the Lord, one who succeeds in building up the faith of people with courage, even at times with methods which can be considered less than traditional. Nevertheless, this is his style – and everyone has his own – this is the style of Pope Francis, which is much appreciated by Pope Benedict.”

Ex-Benedict XVI has told the anti-Church German magazine Focus that he is sometimes homesick, but he says, that the Vatican is “very beautiful”. The former pope has stopped playing the piano, because his hands do not obey him anymore, “neither does my head”, he adds.

His secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein believes that the former Benedict XVI would not have lived for long, if he had not abdicated.